Defending champion Fernandez retains title in Monterrey after epic battle with Osorio

Leylah Fernandez retained her title in Monterrey with an incredible 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) win over long-time rival Camila Osorio.

The world No 21 had to save five championship points en route to picking up her second WTA Tour title – and thanked her opponent afterwards.

“Today it was a very, very tough match, not only physically or tennis-wise, but mentally,” said the 19-year-old. “Camila, she’s a tough player to play against. She’s very crafty, she does slices, high balls, it’s very unpredictable.

“I’m very, very happy to have gone through these hard moments, and have fought, found solutions. And Camila, I hope we have many, many more finals like this, because without her, I don’t think this tournament, this final, would be [as] special.”

The two had not met before on tour, but they played each other often as juniors, three times at junior Grand Slams, with Fernandez edging the record there 2-1, with both her wins coming at Roland-Garros.

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